Pacquiao can start training in US in February - Arum

By Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

Other countries mulled as fight venues due to Obama's high tax rate policy

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – After 120 days of mandatory suspension given by the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to the knock-out that planked Manny Pacquiao to the canvass last December, the fighting congressman can now submit a new application for a boxing license in Nevada.

“He can start training in February and anytime after March 9th, he can fight," said boxing promoter Bob Arum.

But Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) executive director Keith Kizer said that the commission has not received Pacquiao’s application for 2013.

"We haven't received any application for 2013," said the NSAC official.

Arum said Pacquiao does not want his fights to happen in the US due to its high tax rates.

Arum added that almost 40% of the boxer’s fight revenue go to pay his taxes.

"He says that he doesn't want to fight in the United States because of the high taxes which I can hardly blame him and you know [Juan Manuel] Marquez faces the same high taxes," said the Top Rank CEO.

Arum blamed President Obama’s policy on higher taxes that blows Pacquiao’s fights away from the US.

“The administration didn’t help raising the tax rates from 35% to 39.6%. You know, there’s a limit to what these guys wanna pay, you know, that’s almost 40% of his purse going for taxes, that’s a lot,” he said.

Mexico, Singapore, and Macau are a few of the places mentioned to host Pacquiao’s next fight.

Although Pacquiao-Marquez 5 is not yet set, Top Rank assures boxing fans that Pacquiao will be fighting in September.

When asked if the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight will take place this year, Arum said, “In China they never heard of Mayweather, so they heard of Pacquiao they love Pacquiao. Apparently they're not much interested in Mayweather."

Fililipino-American Brian Viloria, meanwhile, will slug it out with Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada for a world title fight on April 6 in Macau.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming will also be featured in the event.